"..We're always trying to improve the imagery in Google Earth and Google Local, but our latest update is bigger than usual. Not only have we added extensive 6-inch imagery for many parts of the U.K., but we've updated the Google Local database to match the coverage we have in Google Earth, and (drum roll, please) ... we've added two more zoom levels in Google Local's Satellite mode! Now for many areas around the world you can see a lot more detail than you could before. (read the entire post)

Note: This change does not seem to have affected API sites or "mashups" (Thanks to Tagzania) Be sure to check my list of "Collections" sites that organize links to Google Mapssatellite views for you.